Modulation of monocyte subtypes in diabetes after non-surgical periodontal treatment.

OBJECTIVES: The current study aims to evaluate the effect of non-surgical periodontal treatment on the modulation of monocyte phenotype, in the presence or absence of diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The identification, quantification, and phenotypic characterization of monocyte subtypes (classical, intermediate, and non-classical) were performed by flow cytometry, at baseline and 1 month after the end of non-surgical periodontal treatment, in patients with periodontitis, associated or not with diabetes. RESULTS: There was an increase in non-classical monocytes after treatment and a reduction in intermediate monocytes, without differences for the classical subtype, regardless of the diabetes status. Furthermore, there was a reduction in intermediate monocytes and an increase in non-classical and classical monocytes after treatment in the diabetes group, while no significant differences were observed for classical, intermediate, and non-classical monocytes in the group without diabetes. Comparisons between the two groups showed significant differences for classical, intermediate, and non-classical monocytes at baseline; these differences were not found one month after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Non-surgical periodontal treatment leads to modulation of monocytes to a less inflammatory phenotype, especially in individuals with diabetes. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A better understanding of the role of these biomarkers in the periodontitis contex may constitute a new strategic target for a better treatment of patiens with diabetes associated to periodontitis. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials-RBR-35szwc. Jhefferson Miranda Alves and Danielle Borges Germano contributed equality to this study and should be considered first authors.

The enigma of the mental foramen as it relates to plastic surgery.

The mental foramen position changes because of individual characteristics, and the knowledge of its location is paramount in a number of surgical procedures. This study's goal was to assess its position in relation to dentition and its symmetry in a Brazilian population. One hundred ninety-one dried jaws were divided in 3 groups according to the presence or absence of dentition and bone resorption in the foramen region. Standardized measurements of the distance between the foramen and anatomical references were made to establish its position and symmetry. The majority of the specimens studied belonged to white (74%) male (72%) individuals. The foramen most frequent position, using the teeth as reference, was between the premolars for both sexes (males, 41%; females, 60.3%). Most of the mandibles (56%) did not present symmetry between the right and left sides. Accessory foramina were found in 13.6% of jaws. The most frequent position of the mental foramen was between the premolars (position III of Tebo and Telford [Anat Rec 1950;107:61-66]), and they were predominantly asymmetric. The group with no teeth in the mental foramen area showed a reduction of the distance between the alveolar margin of the jaw and the mental foramen.

Cost-utility of reduction mammaplasty assessed for the Brazilian public health system.

BACKGROUND: Economic evaluation is important for making decisions about resource allocation. Few cost-utility or cost-effectiveness studies on breast hypertrophy have been reported in the medical literature. OBJECTIVES: The authors sought to determine the cost-utility of reduction mammaplasty in the Brazilian national health care system. METHODS: This randomized controlled study was conducted in a university-affiliated hospital. Sixty patients with breast hypertrophy were enrolled prospectively and were assigned randomly to either the control group (n = 30 patients who received follow-up for 6 months) or the treatment group (n = 30 patients who underwent reduction mammaplasty). Direct costs were recorded, and the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) was administered to both groups at the beginning of the study (preoperatively for the treatment group) and 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Utility was determined with Instrument 6D of the Brazilian version of the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-6D), from the SF-36 data. RESULTS: At the 6-month follow-up, the treatment group showed an improvement in utility, with an average direct cost of approximately £104. CONCLUSIONS: Reduction mammaplasty performed in the Brazilian national health care system provides a cost-utility ratio equivalent to approximately £142 per 1 quality-adjusted life year.

Clinical and Epidemiological Characteristics of Patients with COVID-19 Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit: A Two-Year Retrospective Analysis.

In March 2020, COVID-19 was characterized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization. Hospitalized patients affected by COVID-19 presented with severe respiratory and motor impairment, especially those who required intensive treatment and invasive mechanical ventilation, with sequelae that extended after the period of hospitalization. Thus, the aim of the current study was to verify the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients with COVID-19 admitted to the Intensive Care Unit in 2020 and 2021, according to age group. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study. Data were collected through the "ICUs Brasileiras" between March 2020 and November 2021 for severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) due to COVID-19. The following were analyzed: the number of hospital admissions, days in the ICU and hospital, clinical aspects (non-invasive or invasive ventilatory support, comorbidities, frailty, SAPS 3 and SOFA severity scales, use of amines and renal support), and ICU and hospital mortality rate. RESULTS: A total of 166,966 ICU hospital admissions were evaluated over the evaluated quarters. The main results showed a peak in the number of hospitalizations between March and May 2021, with a higher percentage of males. The peak of ICU admissions for 7 days was between March and May 2021 and 21 days between March and May 2020. In addition, higher deaths were observed in the age groups between 40 and 80 years between 2020 and 2021, with the group above 81 being the age group with the highest mortality. Mortality in the ICU of ventilated patients was higher in the age group above 70 years. Another observation was the predominance of SAPS 3 and the peak of mechanical ventilation for more than 7 days between June and August 2021. CONCLUSION: The clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients with COVID-19 were influenced by age group, showing higher mortality over 81 years and over 70 years in the ICU supported by mechanical ventilation, maintained for 7 days from June to August 2021. The years 2020 and 2021 also showed differences for patients with COVID-19, with greater hospitalization between March and May 2021, especially in the ICU for 7 days, and between March and May 2020 for the 21-day period.

Monocyte chemokine receptors as therapeutic targets in cardiovascular diseases.

Chemokine receptors are fundamental in many processes related to cardiovascular diseases, such as monocyte migration to vessel walls, cell adhesion, and angiogenesis, among others. Even though many experimental studies have shown the utility of blocking these receptors or their ligands in the treatment of atherosclerosis, the findings in clinical research are still poor. Thus, in the current review we aimed to describe some promising results concerning the blockade of chemokine receptors as therapeutic targets in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and also to discuss some challenges that need to be overcome before using these strategies in clinical practice.

Association among inflammaging, body composition, physical activity, and physical function tests in physically active women.

Background: Inflammaging is a phenomenon that has been associated with the development and progression of sarcopenia and frailty syndrome. According to the literature, on the one side, the increase in body fat is associated with a systemic pro-inflammatory status, which consequently favors inflammaging, and on the other side, the regular practice of physical exercise can mitigate the development of this scenario. Therefore, here, we aimed to evaluate the association between inflammaging and physical factors, both body and functional, in a group of physically active older women. Methods: Seventy older women (mean age 72.66 ± 6.17 years) participated in this observational cross-sectional and were separated into the eutrophic, overweight, and obese groups. It was assessed: by bioimpedance-body fat percentage (Fat%) and total (Fat kg), skeletal muscle mass (muscle), and free fat mass both in percentage (FFM%) and total (FFMkg); by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)-the time of moderate-intensity physical activity per week; by physical tests-handgrip (HG), sit-up-stand-on-the-chair in 5 repetitions (Sit-up) and vertical squat jump test (SJ); in addition to the determination of serum cytokine concentration (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10, and IL-8), and also body mass index (BMI) and calf circumference (Calf). Results: Higher FFM% and lower body fat (both kg and %) were found in the eutrophic group than in the other groups. The eutrophic group also performed more weekly physical activity, jumped higher, and presented not only higher serum IL-6 concentration but also an increased ratio of IL-10/IL-6, IL-10/TNF-α, IL-10/IL-8 as compared to the values found in the overweight group. The obese group presented higher body fat (kg and %) and lower FFM% than the other groups and also higher serum IL-6 concentration than the overweight group. Interestingly, several significant negative and positive correlations between body composition, physical tests, and serum cytokine concentrations were found in the eutrophic and obese groups. Conclusion: While the eutrophic older women group showed a remarkable regulation of the systemic inflammatory status with positive associations in the physical parameters assessed, the overweight and obese groups presented impairment regulations of the inflammaging, which could be related to less weekly physical activity and higher body fat.

Assessment of the Interferon-Lambda-3 Polymorphism in the Antibody Response to COVID-19 in Older Adults Seropositive for CMV.

BACKGROUND: Here, we investigated the impact of IFN-lambda-3 polymorphism on specific IgG responses for COVID-19 in older adults seropositive for CMV. METHODS: Blood samples of 25 older adults of both sexes were obtained at three different times: during a micro-outbreak (MO) of SARS-CoV-2 in 2020; eight months after (CURE); and 30 days after the administration of the second dose of ChadOx-1 vaccine (VAC). The specific IgG for both SARS-CoV-2 and CMV antigens, neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, and also the polymorphism profile for IFN-lambda-3 (rs12979860 C > T) were assessed. RESULTS: Higher levels of specific IgG for SARS-CoV-2 antigens were found in the MO and VAC than in the CURE time-point. Volunteers with specific neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 showed better specific IgG responses for SARS-CoV-2 and lower specific IgG levels for CMV than volunteers without specific neutralizing antibodies. Significant negative correlations between the specific IgG levels for SARS-CoV-2 and CMV were found at the MO time-point, as well as in the group of individuals homozygous for allele 1 (C/C) in the MO time-point and heterozygotes (C/T) in the CURE time-point. CONCLUSION: Our results suggested that both CMV seropositivity and the homozygosis for allele 1 (C/C) in IFN-lambda-3 gene can negatively impact the antibody response to COVID-19 infection and vaccination in older adults.

[Effect of the music in labor and newborn]. / Efeito da música no trabalho de parto e no recém-nascido.

Music has been applied for balancing energies that have been disturbed by the stress of modern life. The objective of the present study was to verify the effect of music in labor and on the newborn, when submitted to the same melodies heard by their own mothers during pregnancy. Pregnant women, Health Center users, were submitted to musical sensitization sessions since their fifth month of pregnancy. During labor, the melodies previously selected by the pregnant women were played all the time with a thirty-minute break for every two hours of music. Data collection was performed through interviews performed after labor, at different moments, and the mother' statements were qualitatively analyzed. According to the women's words, music minimized the distress of labor and made it easier for the baby to adjust in the first months of life.

Suicide mortality in the city of São Paulo: epidemiological characteristics and their social factors in a temporal trend between 2000 and 2017. Retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Suicide is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, accounting for one million deaths annually. Greater understanding of the causal risk factors is needed, especially in large urban centers. OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the epidemiological profile and temporal trend of suicides over two decades and correlate prevalence with social indicators. DESIGN AND SETTING: Descriptive population-based longitudinal retrospective study conducted in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: A temporal trend series for suicide mortality in this city was constructed based on data from the Ministry of Health's mortality notification system, covering 2000-2017. It was analyzed using classic demographic variables relating to social factors. RESULTS: Suicide rates were high throughout this period, increasing from 4.6/100,000 inhabitants in the 2000s to 4.9/100,000 in 2017 (mean: 4.7/100,000). The increase in mortality was mainly due to increased male suicide, which went from 6.0/100,000 to the current 8.0/100,000. Other higher coefficients corresponded to social risk factors, such as being a young adult (25-44 years old), being more educated (eight years of schooling) and having white ethnicity (67.2%). Suicide was also twice as likely to occur at home (47.8%). CONCLUSION: High suicide rates were seen over the period 2000-2017, especially among young adults and males. High schooling levels and white ethnicity were risk factors. The home environment is the crucial arena for preventive action. One special aspect of primary prevention is the internet and especially social media, which provides a multitude of information for suicide prevention.

Antibiotic prophylaxis in breast cancer surgery. A randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To assess the effect of antibiotic prophylaxis on surgical site infection (SSI) rates in women undergoing breast cancer surgery in two tertiary hospitals in Brazil. METHODS: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group clinical trial. A total of 124 women without independent risk factors for SSI were randomly assigned to receive either cefazolin (antibiotic group, n = 62) or placebo (control group, n = 62) as preoperative prophylaxis. After surgery, all surgical wounds were examined once a week, for four weeks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention definitions and classifications for SSI. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were homogeneous between the two groups. Only one patient in the antibiotic group developed SSI, which was classified as superficial incisional. The overall SSI rate was low, with no significant difference between groups. CONCLUSION: Antibiotic prophylaxis had no significant effect on reducing SSI rates in women without independent risk factors for SSI undergoing breast cancer surgery.

Experimental models of scald burns. A scope review.

PURPOSE: To conduct a scope review of the experimental model described by Walker and Mason, by identifying and analyzing the details of the method. METHODS: The authors searched Pubmed-Medline, Cochrane-Bireme and PEDro databases for articles published between January 2016 and December 2018, using the following search queries: burns, burn injuries, models animal, and animal experimentation. All articles whose authors used Walker and Mason's model - with or without changes to the method in Wistar rats - were included in this study. RESULTS: The search identified 45 mentions of Walker and Mason's model; however, after reading each summary, 20 were excluded (of which 5 due to duplicity). The inconsistencies observed after the scope review were: water temperature, length of time of exposure of the experimental model's skin to water, extent of the burnt area, and the description of the thickness/depth of the injury. CONCLUSIONS: Reproducibility of a scientific method is the basis to prove the veracity of the observed results. Thus, it is necessary to have a greater number of publications that adopt a reproducible scientific method, for this review found inconsistencies in the description of Walker and Mason's model.

Accuracy of the ultrasound examination in patients with inguinal hernia. / Avaliação da acurácia do exame ultrassonográfico em pacientes portadores de hérnia inguinal.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the accuracy of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of inguinal hernia in the preoperative period of patients submitted to inguinal herniorrhaphy. METHODS: we conducted a retrospective, descriptive, analytical study, based on data obtained from the charts of patients submitted to inguinal herniorrhaphy between January 2016 and December 2017 and who underwent ultrasonography in the preoperative period. The sample consisted of 232 patients, and we compared the results of the ultrasonography with the complaints, physical examination and intraoperative findings. RESULTS: ultrasonography was in agreement with inguinal hernia complaint in 52% of patients (p=0.019). There was a disagreement between the percentage of patients who presented a hernia at the physical examination not confirmed by the ultrasound examination (28.57%) and the percentage of hernias identified only by the complementary examination (8.93%), with statistical significance (p=0.0291). When comparing the ultrasound findings with the intraoperative ones, 32.70% of patients presenting with hernia had normal ultrasonography, with statistical significance for discordance (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: ultrasound was an unreliable method to help diagnosis in dubious cases of inguinal hernia, and dispensable when the diagnosis was confirmed by typical complaints and compatible physical examination.

OBJETIVO: avaliar a acurácia da ultrassonografia no diagnóstico de hérnia inguinal no pré-operatório de pacientes submetidos à herniorrafia inguinal. MÉTODOS: estudo retrospectivo descritivo, analítico, baseado em dados obtidos dos prontuários de pacientes submetidos à herniorrafia inguinal entre janeiro de 2016 e dezembro de 2017 e que realizaram ultrassonografia no período pré-operatório. A amostra foi composta por 232 pacientes e foram comparados os resultados da ultrassonografia com as queixas, exame físico e achados intraoperatórios desses pacientes. RESULTADOS: a ultrassonografia apresentou concordância com a queixa de hérnia inguinal em 52% dos pacientes (p=0,019). Houve discordância entre a porcentagem de pacientes que apresentaram hérnia ao exame físico não confirmada pelo exame ultrassonográfico (28,57%) e a porcentagem de hérnias identificadas somente ao exame complementar (8,93%), com significância estatística (p=0,0291). Quando comparados os resultados ultrassonográficos com achados intraoperatórios, 32,70% dos pacientes que apresentavam hérnia tinham ultrassonografia normal com significância estatística para discordância (p=0,001). CONCLUSÃO: a ultrassonografia mostrou-se método não confiável para auxiliar no diagnóstico em casos duvidosos de hérnia inguinal e dispensável quando o diagnóstico era confirmado por queixas típicas e exame físico compatível.

Are the recommendations from three-dimensional gait analysis associated with better postoperative outcomes in patients with cerebral palsy?

This study was performed to check if recommendations based on three-dimensional gait analysis (3DGA) are associated with better postoperative outcomes in patients with cerebral palsy (CP). Thirty-eight patients who underwent orthopedic surgery and assessment at the Gait Analysis Laboratory were evaluated retrospectively. The patients were divided in four groups according to the agreement between the recommendations from gait analysis and the procedures actually carried out. Fifteen patients with diplegic spastic cerebral palsy and indication for orthopedic surgery to improve walking - and whose surgical intervention was postponed - were also included in the study as a control group. Fourteen gait parameters recorded before and after treatment, were included in the statistical analysis. No gait improvement was noted in the control group or inh patients on whom no procedures recommended by the gait exam were performed (agreement of 0%). In the other groups, agreements averaged 46.71%, 72.2%, and 100%, respectively. Improvement of gait parameters after treatment was observed in these groups, with more significant values directly related to increased agreement percentage. Therefore, in this study the patients whose treatment matched the recommendations from three-dimensional gait analysis showed a more significant improvement in walking.

[Impact of obesity on the functional capacity of women]. / Impacto da obesidade na capacidade funcional de mulheres.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional capacity of obese, overweight and eutrophic women. METHODS: An analytical cross study involved 90 adult women from 40 to 60 years of age, distributed in three groups: eutrophic (n=30), overweight (n=30) and obese (n=30).Patients were interviewed by means of the specific health related quality of life questionnaire, Stanford Health Questionnaire (HAQ-20). They were also submitted to an exercise test to compare the maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) among the three groups. Statistical analysis included the chi-square test, the Kruskal Wallis variance analysis and the Spearman and Pearson correlations for p= 0.05. RESULTS: The group of obese women presented HAQ-20 (0.375) score rates significantly higher (p<0.05) than the other groups (0), reflecting lesser functional capacity. The obese group presented VO2max score rates (25.8+/-5.0ml/kg/min), significantly lower (p<0.001) than the overweight (29.9+/-6.1ml/kg/min) and eutrophic (33.8+/-4,1ml/kg/min) groups, indicating a poorer cardio respiratory aptitude. There was no significant difference between the eutrophic and overweight VO2max and HAQ-20 score rates. Hypertension was more frequent among obese women (p=0.012) who also presented a lower level of schooling p= 0.026). CONCLUSION: Obese women presented a poorer physical aptitude and lesser functional capacity in relation to those in the eutrophic and overweight groups Furthermore, the obese also exhibited a worse prognosis for cardiovascular disease.

[Inactive Graves' ophthalmopathy and self-esteem]. / Auto-estima na forma inativa da oftalmopatia de Graves.

PURPOSE: To assess the self-esteem of Graves' ophthalmopathy patients in the inactive phase. METHODS: Thirty euthyroid patients were evaluated in the inactive phase of disease with age ranging from 26 to 65 years, average of 43 +/- 11,0 years, called study group and 39 individuals without Graves' ophthalmopathy with age ranging from 18 to 67 years, average of 41 +/- 13,4 years, selected from the general population called control group. To evaluate the self-esteem the Rosenberg UNIFESP/EPM self-esteem scale, applied by means of an interview, was utilized. The self-esteem scores in the two studied groups were compared by means of the non-parametric Mann-Whitey test. The same test was applied to compare the obtained scores in the Graves' ophthalmopathy group considering disease severity. RESULTS: No alteration with statistical significance in Graves' ophthalmopathy patients' self-esteem was observed (P=0.057). The study group presented, on average, lower self-esteem values when compared with the control group. There was no difference of self-esteem mild and moderate-severe patients (P=0.2710). CONCLUSION: Graves' ophthalmopathy in the inactive phase did not affect the patients' self-esteem in the group studied.

[Correlation between obstructive apnea syndrome and difficult airway in ENT surgery]. / Correlação entre síndrome da apneia obstrutiva e via aérea difícil na cirurgia otorrinolaringológica.

INTRODUCTION: ENT patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome have a tendency of collapsing the upper airways in addition to anatomical obstacles. Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is related to the increased risk of difficult airway and also increased perioperative complications. In order to identify these patients in the preoperative period, the STOP Bang questionnaire has been highlighted because it is summarized and easy to apply. OBJECTIVES: Evaluate through the STOP Bang questionnaire whether patients undergoing ENT surgery with a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome have a higher risk of complications, particularly the occurrence of difficult airway. CASUISTRY AND METHODS: Measurements of anatomical parameters for difficult airway and questionnaire application for clinical prediction of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome were performed in 48 patients with a previous polysomnographic study. RESULTS: The sample detected difficult airway in about 18.7% of patients, all of them with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. This group had older age, cervical circumference > 40cm, ASA II and Cormack III/IV. Patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome had higher body mass index, cervical circumference, and frequent apnea. In subgroup analysis, the group with severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome showed a significantly higher SB score compared to patients without this syndrome or with a mild/moderate obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: The STOP Bang questionnaire was not able to predict difficult airway and mild obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, but it identified marked obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. All patients with difficult airway had moderate and marked obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, although this syndrome did not involve difficult airway. The variables Cormack III/IV and BMI greater than 35 Kg.m-2 were able to predict difficult airway and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, respectively.

Comparison between visual and three-dimensional gait analysis in patients with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy.

Fifty patients with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy were included in this retrospective study which compared visual assessment of gait to three-dimensional (3D) gait analysis. Inter-observer variability was evaluated as well. Inclusion criteria comprehended independent ambulation (i.e. without assistive devices or orthoses). All subjects went through 3D gait analysis at the Gait Analysis Laboratory of the AACD Hospital. Four observers, viewing videotaped gait cycles, evaluated 10 specific points of interest of the cycle: hip flexion at terminal stance; knee flexion at initial contact; knee extension at terminal stance; knee flexion at initial swing; ankle dorsiflexion at initial contact; pelvic obliquity at mid stance; hip adduction at loading response; pelvic rotation; hip rotation at mid stance and foot progression angle, in relation to the lower limb, at mid stance. Their evaluation was then compared to the 3D kinematics data. A statistical analysis of the results was performed using kappa and McNemar's test in order to determine inter-observer and visual/3D analysis agreement. Results showed that inter-observer agreement was high but on the other hand, only two points of the gait cycle (knee flexion at initial contact and pelvic obliquity) were shown to have been similarly evaluated visually and with the 3D analysis. In conclusion, this study indicates that only knee flexion at initial contact and pelvic obliquity appear to be reliably evaluated on a visual basis alone. Visual observation is therefore inadequate for the evaluation of the other eight selected points of the gait cycle which require some form of quantitative assessment.

[Soleus veins: anatomic basis and their role in the origin of deep venous lower limb thrombosis]. / Veias soleares: bases anatômicas e seu papel na origem da trombose venosa profunda em membro inferior.

OBJECTIVE: Study of the number, sectorization and termination of the soleus veins. METHODS: Meticulous, stratigraphical, anatomical dissections were carried out in the posterior crural region of 100 legs of 50 fresh cadavers. Those belonging to subjects with congenital or acquired pathologies in the lower limbs were disregarded. After the skin was reflected on both sides, dissection of superficial and perforating veins, was performed. Then reflection of the subcutaneous tissue and fascia, detachment and reflection of the gastrocnemius and plantaris muscles, detachment of the tibial origin of the soleus muscle, differentiation of the soleus veins and study of morphometric parameters were carried out. The region was divided into six sectors: superior-medial, superior-lateral, medio-medial, medio-lateral, inferior-medial and inferior-lateral. Data obtained from Wilcoxon and Friedman nonparametric tests were utilized for statistical analysis. RESULTS: In the dissected legs 4679 soleus veins were found. The sector with the greatest number of soleus veins was the superior-lateral (1529 veins - 32.7%), followed by the mediomedial (1.256 veins - 26.8%) and the mediolateral sectors (975 veins - 20.8%). The extremities drained into communicant veins (1.207 veins - 25.8%), posterior tibial veins (964 veins - 20.6%), peroneal veins (709 veins - 15.2%) and into 32 other types (1.799 veins 38.4%). CONCLUSION: The venous drainage of the soleus muscle is carried out by a great number of soleus veins which are frequently located in the superior-lateral, mediomedial and mediolateral sectors, more often going into the posterior tibial, peroneal and communicant veins.

Tensile strength of the posterior and anterior layer of the rectus abdominis muscle sheath in cadavers.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to assess, in cadavers, the resistance to medial traction of the posterior and anterior layer of the rectus abdominis muscle sheath. METHODS: An anatomical, prospective, self-controlled study was carried out in 20 male cadavers. An evaluation of the tension of the posterior and anterior layers of the rectus abdominis muscle sheath was performed following anatomical dissection of these structures. The traction necessary to advance the tissue ten millimeters was assessed using an analogic dynamometer. RESULTS: There was no significant statistical difference between the necessary traction at various levels of the anterior and posterior layers of the rectus sheath. However, medial advancement of the anterior layer of the rectus sheath required more traction strength than did advancement of the posterior layer to the midline. CONCLUSION: There is no difference in the tensile strength in the various levels of the anterior and posterior layers of the rectus sheath; however, medial advancement of the the anterior layer required more traction strength.